System and method for dynamic physical resource block allocation across networks using a virtualization layer

ABSTRACT

Aspects herein provides a system that utilizes a virtualization layer at a distribution unit or central unit in a network. The virtualization layer includes a plurality of virtual resource blocks that are pooled together as a resource for both a public portion of the network and one or more private portions of the network. Based on loading monitoring of the different portions of the network, the plurality of virtual resource blocks in the pool can be dynamically reallocated between the public and private networks to accommodate and optimize loading. The plurality of virtual resource blocks are mapped to physical resource blocks for scheduling and utilization based on the reallocation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation that claims the benefit of andpriority to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 17/835,176, filed on 8Jun. 2022 and entitled “System and Method for Dynamic Physical ResourceBlock Allocation Across Networks Using a Virtualization Layer,” theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to computer autonomousallocation of physical resource blocks.

BACKGROUND

Existing technologies are limited by their reliance on a fixed partitionof the hardware that dictates an allocation of physical resource blocksbetween multiple networks. In existing technologies, the ratio,percentage, or quantities of physical resource blocks that are allocatedto a private network and the ratio, percentage, or quantities ofphysical resource blocks that are allocated to an operator network isfixed due to this “hard” partitioning in the physical layer.

SUMMARY

A high-level overview of various aspects of the invention are providedhere for that reason, to provide an overview of the disclosure and tointroduce a selection of concepts that are further described below inthe detailed description section. This summary is not intended toidentify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation todetermine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In brief and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among otherthings, methods, systems, and computer-readable media that generatesvirtualized representations of physical resource blocks within avirtualization layer, enables sharing of the pool of virtualizerepresentations for the actual physical blocks on a dynamic basis andwith flexible ratios, and dynamically assigns/reassigns the virtualresource blocks between multiple networks without relying on hardpartitioning.

In one aspect, a method is provided. The method generates avirtualization layer on top of the physical layer associated with aplurality of physical resource blocks, the virtualization layer hostinga plurality of virtual physical resource blocks, and the virtualizationlayer emulating hardware of the physical layer that is associated withthe physical resource blocks. A radio intelligence controller monitorsloading of a plurality of networks utilizing the plurality of physicalresource blocks, in near real-time. When the radio intelligencecontroller determines that the near real-time loading of one or more ofa plurality of networks at least meets a threshold, the radiointelligence controller communicates a reallocation request to thedistribution unit. In response to the reallocation request, thedistribution unit reallocates one or more of the plurality of virtualphysical resource blocks in the virtualization layer from one network inthe plurality of networks to another network in the plurality ofnetworks. Then, the one or more of the plurality of virtual physicalresource blocks being reallocated are mapped by the distribution unit toone or more of the plurality of physical resource blocks associated withthe physical layer. Then, in accordance with the method, the one or moreof the plurality of physical resource blocks associated with thephysical layer in the second network are utilized, based on the mappingof the one or more of the plurality of virtual physical resource blocksreallocated in the virtualization layer.

In another aspect, one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediaare provided for storing instructions that when executed via one or moreprocessors performs a computerized method. In such an aspect, avirtualization layer is generated on top of the physical layerassociated with a plurality of physical resource blocks, at one or moreof a central unit or a distribution unit, the virtualization layerhosting a plurality of virtual physical resource blocks, and thevirtualization layer emulating hardware of the physical layer that isassociated with the physical resource blocks. In near real-time, a radiointelligence controller monitor loading of a plurality of networksutilizing the plurality of physical resource blocks. When the radiointelligence controller determines that the near real-time loading ofone or more of a plurality of networks at least meets a threshold, areallocation request is communicated to the distribution unit. Inresponse to the reallocation request, the distribution unit reallocatesone or more of the plurality of virtual physical resource blocks in thevirtualization layer from a first network in the plurality of networksto a second network in the plurality of networks. The one or more of theplurality of virtual physical resource blocks being reallocated ismapped by the distribution unit to one or more of the plurality ofphysical resource blocks associated with the physical layer. Then, theone or more of the plurality of physical resource blocks associated withthe physical layer in the second network are utilized based on themapping of the one or more of the plurality of virtual physical resourceblocks that is reallocated in the virtualization layer.

In yet another aspect, a system is provided. The system includes adistribution unit having a physical layer associated with a plurality ofphysical resource blocks and a virtualization layer generated on top ofthe physical layer of the distribution unit. The system further includesa radio intelligence controller and one or more processors. Via the oneor more processors, the system generates, at one or more of a centralunit or a distribution unit, a virtualization layer on top of thephysical layer associated with a plurality of physical resource blocks,the virtualization layer hosting a plurality of virtual physicalresource blocks, and the virtualization layer emulating hardware of thephysical layer that is associated with the physical resource blocks. Theradio intelligence controller monitors, in near real-time, loading of aplurality of networks utilizing the plurality of physical resourceblocks. When the radio intelligence controller determines that the nearreal-time loading of one or more of a plurality of networks at leastmeets a threshold, a reallocation request is communicated to thedistribution unit. In response to the reallocation request, thedistribution unit reallocates one or more of the plurality of virtualphysical resource blocks in the virtualization layer from a firstnetwork in the plurality of networks to a second network in theplurality of networks. Then, the one or more of the plurality of virtualphysical resource blocks being reallocated are mapped by thedistribution unit to one or more of the plurality of physical resourceblocks associated with the physical layer. The system then utilizes theone or more of the plurality of physical resource blocks associated withthe physical layer in the second network based on the mapping of the oneor more of the plurality of virtual physical resource blocks that isreallocated in the virtualization layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects are described in detail below with reference to the attacheddrawings figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system in accordance with one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts an example of virtual resource blocks in a virtualizationlayer that act as a pool being provisionally shared across physicalresource blocks in a physical layer, accordance with one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts the virtual resource blocks in the virtualization layerthat are mapped to physical resource blocks in a physical layer inaccordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 depicts an example method in accordance with one or moreembodiments; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an example computing device suitable for use inimplementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is being described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent.Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject mattermight also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps orcombinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, inconjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should notbe interpreted as implying any particular order among or between varioussteps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individualsteps is explicitly described. As such, although the terms “step” and/or“block” may be used herein to connote different elements of systemand/or methods, the terms should not be interpreted as implying anyparticular order and/or dependencies among or between various componentsand/or steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order ofindividual steps is explicitly described. The present disclosure willnow be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, which may not be drawn to scale and which are not to beconstrued as limiting. Indeed, the present invention can be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein.

Throughout this disclosure, several acronyms and shorthand notations areused to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to theassociated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notationsare intended to help provide an easy methodology of communicating theideas expressed herein and are not meant to limit the scope of thepresent invention. The following is a list of these acronyms:

-   -   3G Third-Generation Wireless Access Technology    -   4G Fourth-Generation Wireless Access Technology    -   5G Fifth-Generation Wireless Access Technology    -   5GC Fifth-Generation Wireless Access Technology Core Network    -   AAU Active Antenna Unit    -   BRS Broadband Radio Service    -   CD-ROM Compact Disk Read Only Memory    -   CDMA Code Division Multiple Access    -   CU Central unit    -   DU Distribution unit    -   EIRP Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power    -   eNodeB Evolved Node B    -   EVDO Evolution-Data Optimized    -   GIS Geographic/Geographical/Geospatial Information System    -   gNB Next Generation Node B    -   gNB CU Next Generation Node B Central Unit    -   gNB DU Next Generation Node B Distribution Unit    -   GPRS General Packet Radio Service    -   GSM Global System for Mobile Communications    -   iDEN Integrated Digital Enhanced Network    -   DVD Digital Versatile Disc    -   EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory    -   FD-MIMO Full Dimension Multiple-Input Multiple-Output    -   IOT Internet of Things    -   IIOT Industry Internet of Things    -   LED Light Emitting Diode    -   LTE Long Term Evolution    -   MEC Mobile Far Edge Computer    -   MD Mobile Device    -   MIMO Multiple-Input Multiple-Output    -   mMIMO Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output    -   MMU Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Unit    -   mmWave Millimeter Wave    -   NEXRAD Next-Generation Radar    -   NR New Radio    -   DOBE Out-of-Band-Emission    -   OTN Optical Transport Network    -   PC Personal Computer    -   PCS Personal Communications Service    -   PDA Personal Digital Assistant    -   PLMN Public Land Mobile Network    -   PRB Physical Resource Block    -   vPRB Virtualized Physical Resource Block    -   RAN Radio Access Network    -   RAM Random Access Memory    -   RET Remote Electrical Tilt    -   RF Radio-Frequency    -   RFI Radio-Frequency Interference    -   RIC Radio Intelligent Controller    -   RLF Radio Link Failure    -   R/N Relay Node    -   RNR Reverse Noise Rise    -   ROM Read-Only Memory    -   RRU Remote Radio Unit    -   RSRP Reference Signal Receive Power    -   RSRQ Reference Signal Receive Quality    -   RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator    -   RU Radio Unit    -   SINR Signal-to-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio    -   SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio    -   SON Self-Organizing Networks    -   TDMA Time Division Multiple Access    -   TXRU Transceiver (or Transceiver Unit)    -   UE User Equipment    -   UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System    -   UTRAN UMTS Radio Access Network    -   E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System    -   WCD Wireless Communication Device (interchangeable with UE)    -   WLAN Wireless Local Area Network    -   XR Extended Reality

Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description.An illustrative resource that fleshes out various aspects of these termscan be found in Newton's Telecom Dictionary, 25th Edition (2009).

Embodiments herein may be embodied as, among other things: a method,system, or set of instructions embodied on one or more computer-readablemedia. Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatilemedia, removable and non-removable media, and contemplate media readableby a database, a switch, and various other network devices.Computer-readable media includes media implemented in any way forstoring information. Examples of stored information includecomputer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, andother data representations. Media examples include RAM, ROM, EEPROM,flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs(DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magneticstorage devices. These technologies can store data momentarily,temporarily, or permanently. Embodiments may take the form of a hardwareembodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Someembodiments may take the form of a computer program product thatincludes computer-useable or computer-executable instructions embodiedon one or more computer-readable media.

“Computer-readable media” can be any available media and may includevolatile and nonvolatile media, as well as removable and non-removablemedia. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable mediamay include computer storage media and communication media.

“Computer storage media” may include, without limitation, volatile andnon-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media,implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data. In this regard, computer storage media may include, but isnot limited to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM),Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), flashmemory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks(DVDs) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage device, or any othermedium which can be used to store the desired information and which maybe accessed by the computing device 500 shown in FIG. 5 .

“Communication media” may include, without limitation, computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in amodulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and may include any information delivery media. As usedherein, the term “modulated data signal” refers to a signal that has oneor more of its attributes set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radiofrequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of anyof the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readablemedia.

“Network” refers to a network comprised of wireless and wired componentsthat provide wireless communications service coverage to one or more UE.For example, the network may include one or more, or a plurality of,wireless networks, hardwired networks, telecommunication networks,peer-to-peer networks, distributed networks, and/or any combinationthereof. The network may comprise one or more base stations, one or morecell sites (i.e., managed by a base station), one or more cell towers(i.e., having an antenna) associated with each base station or cellsite, a gateway, a backhaul server that connects two or more basestations, a database, a power supply, sensors, and other components notdiscussed herein, in various embodiments. Examples of a network includea telecommunications network (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, CDMA, CDMA 1XA, GPRS,EVDO, TDMA, GSM, LTE, and/or LTE Advanced). Additional examples of anetwork include a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), ametropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area local network (WLAN), apersonal area network (PAN), a campus-wide network (CAN), a storage areanetwork (SAN), a virtual private network (VPN), an enterprise privatenetwork (EPN), a home area network (HAN), a Wi-Fi network, a WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) network, and/or an ad-hoc(mesh) network. The network may include or may communicate with aphysical location component for determining a geographic location of anitem, package, parcel, personnel, vehicle, end-point location, etc., byleveraging, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS), GlobalnayaNavigazionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS), BeiDou NavigationSatellite System (BDS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS or“Galileo”), an indoor position system (IPS), or other positioningsystems that leverage non-GPS signals or networks (e.g., signals ofopportunity (SOP)).

“Operator network” refers to a network as discussed above, that is ownedand/or controlled by a public carrier entity, such as a Mobile NetworkOperator (MNO) that owns the radio network spectrum and providesservices to client. Generally, the operator network includes the fullspectrum allotted for telecommunications. For example, an operatornetwork may refer to a portion of a Public Land Mobile Network that isassigned to the operator entity for usage.

“Private network” refers to a portion with the full spectrum of anoperator network that is utilized, under an agreement such as a lease,by a private entity, sometime referred to as a Mobile Virtual NetworkOperator (MVNO) that has permission to sell access to the MNO's networkor a Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator (MVNA) that buys access to theMNO's network. As such, the private network may correspond to a portionof the spectrum owned by the public carrier entity but which isspecifically leased for use to the private network to the exclusion ofothers. For example, a private network may refer to a portion of aPublic Land Mobile Network that is assigned to the private entity forusage, while another portion of the same Public Land Mobile Network isassigned to the operator entity for usage.

“Virtualization layer” refers to a layer located above or ‘on top’ ofthe physical layer, hosted by one or more of the radio unit(s), thedistribution unit(s), or the central unit(s), for example. Thevirtualization layer is generated using software that specificallyemulates the function(s) of the underlying hardware that is located inthe physical layer.

“Physical resource block” (PRB) and “actual physical resource block” areused interchangeably to refer to a defined quantity of consecutivesubcarriers in a frequency domain that are used for wirelesstransmission and wireless reception of waveform signals viaantenna/antenna elements. In some instances, a physical resource blockhas a defined quantity of consecutive subcarriers in a frequency domainwithin one slot in a time domain (e.g., LTE). In other instances, aphysical resource block has a defined quantity of consecutivesubcarriers in a frequency domain independent of the time domain (e.g.,5G NR). In one example, one resource block has twelve consecutivesubcarriers of a frequency domain, where one subcarrier corresponds toone resource element in the resource block. The bandwidth of variousphysical resource blocks is dependent on the numerology and subcarrierspacing utilized, which corresponds to the frequency bands as defined inkilohertz (kHz) and which determines the cyclic prefix of said block inmilliseconds (ms). For example, 5G NR technology supports subcarrierspacing of 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 kHz while LTE technology supportsonly one subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz. The physical resource blocks formbandwidth parts (BWP). The physical resource blocks discussed herein arecompatible and usable in LTE, LTE-M, 3G, 4G, 5G, IoT, IIoT, NB-IoT, andsimilar technologies without limitation. For this reason, physicalresource blocks are discussed herein in a network agnostic manner as theaspects discussed herein can be implemented within each of the differenttechnology environments.

“Virtualized physical resource block” (vPRB) or “virtual resource block”generally refers to a digital representation a physical resources block,as further discussed herein, held or hosted within a virtualizationlayer. As such, virtual resource blocks operate or function within thevirtualization layer and, via software, the virtual resource blocksemulate the function(s) of the underlying physical resource blocks thatare located in the physical layer. In aspects herein, virtual physicalresource blocks are located within a virtualization layer thatcorresponds to the radio unit.

“Base station” and “cell site” may be used interchangeably herein torefer to a defined wireless communications coverage area (i.e., ageographic area) serviced by a base station. It will be understood thatone base station may control one cell site or alternatively, one basestation may control multiple cell sites. As discussed herein, a basestation is deployed in the network to control and facilitate, via one ormore antenna arrays, the broadcast, transmission, synchronization, andreceipt of one or more wireless signals in order to communicate with,verify, authenticate, and provide wireless communications servicecoverage to one or more UE that request to join and/or are connected toa network.

“Access point” may refer to hardware, software, devices, or othercomponents at a base station, cell site, and/or cell tower having anantenna, an antenna array, a radio, a transceiver, and/or a controller.Generally, an access point may communicate directly with user equipmentaccording to one or more access technologies (e.g., 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G,mMIMO) as discussed hereinafter. Access point refers to a device withcomplex software that is specifically configured to provide one or moreuser devices with a connection and/or access to a wireless networkusing, for example, an antenna, an antenna array, and/or one or moreantenna elements. Examples of an access point include a cell tower, acell site, a base station, a NodeB, an eNodeB, a gNodeB, a macro cell, amicro cell, a femtocell, a picocell, and/or a computing device capableof acting as a wireless “hotspot.” The terms “access point,” “cellsite,” “base station,” and “cell tower” are used interchangeably forsimplicity and thus the terms should not be construed as limiting withregard to one another unless expressly designated as such in thisDetailed Description. Examples of a cell site include macro cells suchas a cell tower controlled by a gNodeB, as well as small cells, such asa femto cell or pico cell. Accordingly, the scale and coverage area ofan access point is not limited to the examples discussed, and any sizeand shape of coverage area are contemplated to be within the scope ofthe invention. Because a cell tower and a base stations controlling thecell tower may be remote from one another, or alternatively may belocalized to each other, the term access point is not intended to be solimited as to require a cell tower and/or antenna. Generally, an accesspoint, as discussed herein, is intended to refer to any device, whetherlocal or remote to a physical location of a cell tower and/or antenna,having complex software that is specifically configured to provide oneor more user devices with a connection and/or access to a wirelessnetwork.

“User equipment,” “UE,” “mobile device,” and “wireless communicationdevice” are used interchangeably to refer to a device employed by anend-user that communicates using a network. UE generally includes one ormore antenna coupled to a radio for exchanging (e.g., transmitting andreceiving) transmissions with a nearby base station, via an antennaarray of the base station. In embodiments, UE may take on any variety ofdevices, such as a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, anetbook, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, awearable device, a fitness tracker, or any other device capable ofcommunicating using one or more resources of the network. UE may includecomponents such as software and hardware, a processor, a memory, adisplay component, a power supply or power source, a speaker, atouch-input component, a keyboard, and the like. In embodiments, some ofthe UE discussed herein may include current UE capable of using 5G andhaving backward compatibility with prior access technologies, current UEcapable of using 5G and lacking backward compatibility with prior accesstechnologies, and legacy UE that is not capable of using 5G.

The terms “radio,” “controller,” “antenna,” and “antenna array” are usedinterchangeably to refer to one or more software and hardware componentsthat facilitate sending and receiving wireless radio-frequency signals,for example, based on instructions from a base station. A radio may beused to initiate and generate information that is then sent out throughthe antenna array, for example, where the radio and antenna array may beconnected by one or more physical paths. Generally, an antenna arraycomprises a plurality of individual antenna elements. The antennasdiscussed herein may be dipole antennas, having a length, for example,of ¼, ½, 1, or 1½ wavelength. The antennas may be monopole, loop,parabolic, traveling-wave, aperture, yagi-uda, conical spiral, helical,conical, radomes, horn, and/or apertures, or any combination thereof.The antennas may be capable of sending and receiving transmission viaFD-MIMO, Massive MIMO, 3G, 4G, 5G, and/or 802.11 protocols andtechniques.

Additionally, it will be understood that sequential or relative termssuch as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used herein for the purposesof clarity in distinguishing between elements or features, but the termsare not used herein to import, imply, or otherwise limit the relevance,importance, quantity, technological functions, physical or temporalsequence, physical or temporal order, and/or operations of any elementor feature unless specifically and explicitly stated as such.

Embodiments herein create a virtualization layer at the radio unit, thedistribution unit, or the central unit. In embodiments herein, thevirtualization layer is specifically managed and controlled by thedistribution unit, yet the virtualization layer is located at the radiounit. As such, a plurality of virtualized physical resource blocks arelocated at or hosted within the virtualization layer at the radio unit,yet the allocation of each of the plurality of virtualized physicalresource blocks is controlled by or at the direction of the distributionunit, in various aspects. Additionally, embodiments herein monitor anddynamically modify the ratio, percentage, or quantities of physicalresource blocks that are provisionally allocated to a private networkand/or to an operator network without any hard partitioning in thephysical layer.

FIG. 1 provides a system 100. The system 100 includes a radio unit 102,a radio intelligence controller 104, a distribution unit 106 (alsointerchangeably referred to as the “distributed unit”), a central unit108 (also interchangeably referred to as the “centralized” unit), and atelecommunications core network 110 that interface with and connects thesystem 100 and its components to the internet 112. At the radio unit 102providing service to a spectrum of a PLMN, one portion of the physicalresource blocks may be allocated to a private network while anotherportion of the physical resource blocks may be allocated to an operatornetwork. Although only two networks are discussed in the examples hereinfor brevity and simplicity, it will be understood that the radio unit102 providing service to a spectrum of a PLMN may allocate any quantityof the physical resource blocks between a plurality of private networksand the operator network. Generally, the radio unit 102, the radiointelligence controller 104, the distribution unit 106 (alsointerchangeably referred to as the “distributed unit”), the central unit108 (also interchangeably referred to as the “centralized” unit), andthe telecommunications core network 110 are associated with, are ownedby, and/or are controlled by a MNO.

The radio unit 102 includes software and hardware that convert radiosignals received via an antenna into digital signals, which are thencommunicated to the distribution unit 106. The radio unit 102 caninclude, for example, one or more radio elements of an antenna orantenna array for transmission and receipt of radio frequency signals,for example, where the antenna is associated with or corresponds to acell tower or base station. The radio unit 102 can include, for example,converters, power amplifiers, power supplies, bandpass filters, andother components. In one aspect, the radio unit 102 includesSynchronization and Fronthaul Transport components, Lower Physical LayerBaseband Processing components, Digital Front End (DFE) components,and/or RF Front End (RF FE) components, for example, to operate andfunction with an open RAN (O-RAN). The radio unit 102 includes and/orgenerates a virtualization layer that is located ‘on top’ of thephysical layer. The virtualization layer hosts a plurality of virtualphysical resource blocks. One or more of the virtual physical resourceblocks are provisionally available for reallocation in two or more of aplurality of the networks, such as the private network and the operatornetwork.

The radio intelligence controller (RIC) 104 is a software component thatis communicatively coupled to one or more of the radio units 102, thedistribution unit 106, or the central unit 108, or any combinationthereof. The radio intelligence controller 104 controls near real-timeand non-real-time operations in the system 100, such as networkperformance, configurations, life cycle, beam optimization and more, forexample.

The distribution unit 106 is associated with and/or supports a physicallayer associated with a plurality of physical resource blocks, inaspects. Additionally, the distribution unit 106 can be associated withand/or support a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, a Radio Link Control(RLC) layer, and others. The distribution unit 106 is configured, inaspects herein, to individually and dynamically control the allocationand re-allocation of each of a plurality of virtual physical resourceblocks, portions of the virtual physical resource blocks, subsets ofvirtual physical resource blocks, and/or groupings of virtual physicalresource blocks located in the virtualization layer of the radio unit102 in response to real-time or near real-time load monitoring ofvarious networks.

The central unit 108 provides and/or support one or more layers in theprotocol stack that are arranged those layers supported by or associatedwith the distribution unit 106. The central unit 108 can be associatedwith and/or support a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, aService Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, a Radio Resource Control(RRC) layer, and others, for example.

In aspect, the system 100 utilizes one or more processors and thecomponents discussed above to perform specific operations and functionsas further discussed hereinafter.

At the radio unit 102, a virtualization layer is generated on top of thephysical layer associated with a plurality of physical resource blocks.The virtualization layer 202 hosts a plurality of virtual physicalresource blocks 206A, 206B, and 206C, such that the virtualization layer202 emulates the hardware of the physical layer 204 that is associatedwith the physical resource blocks 208A, 208B, 208C, and 208 n as shownin the example of FIG. 2 . The physical resource blocks are utilized andscheduled to handle radio frequency signal receipt and transmission, viathe radio unit 102. The virtual physical resource blocks, however, canbe associated with or provisionally allocated to more than one of theprivate and public networks in embodiments herein. As such, a singlevirtual physical resource block does not correspond to only one physicalresource block that is associated with the public network, but rather asingle virtual physical resource block can correspond to both a physicalresource block that is associated with the public network and anotherphysical resource block that is associated with a private network, andso on, concurrently. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , virtual physicalresource blocks 206A, 206B, and 206C in the virtualization layer 202 areprovisionally allocated or available as a pool to multiple of thephysical resource blocks 208A, 208B, 208C, and 208 n.

Through this technique, the virtual physical resource blocks at theradio unit 102 can be used to provide support for potential allocationfor usage that exceeds the actual capacity provided by the physicalresource blocks. For example, in a hard petition deployment of othertechnologies, 30% of the physical resource blocks would be fixedlyallocated to private network A, 10% of the physical resource blockswould be fixedly allocated to private network B, and the remaining 60%of the physical resource blocks would be fixedly allocated to theoperator network, thus accounting for 100% of the spectrum of the MNO'snetwork. In the technique discussed herein that does not rely on a hardpetition, 30% of the physical resource blocks would be provisionallyallocated to private network A, 30% of the physical resource blockswould be provisionally allocated to private network B, and the remaining60% of the physical resource blocks would be provisionally allocated tothe operator network, which exceeds the actual limitation of 100%capacity of the spectrum of the MNO's network. As private networks A andB are unlikely or are not predicted to not utilize all of the 30%provisionally allocated at the same time based on historical data forthe radio unit 102, the operator can retain 60% of the physical resourceblocks, while private networks A and B share the 30% allocation througha pool of virtual resource blocks that both private networks A and B areprovisionally allocated. However, this is just one example, and otherratios, percentages, and sharing of the pool between any private orpublic network ‘slice’ within the full spectrum of the MNO's network arecontemplated to be within the scope of this disclosure.

The radio intelligence controller 104 monitors, in near real-time,loading of a plurality of networks utilizing the plurality of physicalresource blocks. The plurality of physical resource blocks may bespecific to the radio unit of one cell tower, base station, antenna, orarray, in various embodiments. The plurality of networks can include oneor more private networks, a public network, or any combination thereof,in embodiments. As such, the radio intelligence controller 104 monitors,in near real-time, loading of each of the private network and the publicnetwork, for example. In one example, the radio intelligence controller104 monitors, in near real-time, loading levels of each of a pluralityof private networks and a public network associated with and/or servicedby the radio unit 102. The radio intelligence controller 104 can monitoreach private and public network in near real-time to determine whetherthe loading levels, traffic levels, network performance metrics, or anycombination thereof, meet a particular threshold. For example, each ofthe private network and the public network may be associated with adifferent corresponding threshold, previously defined for loading. Eachnetwork may have multiple thresholds for monitoring, wherein eachthreshold is customized for a particular distinct parameter, such asloading or traffic, for example. As such, a private network may have adifferent loading threshold than the public network, in one example.Alternatively, the same threshold(s) may be used for a plurality ofnetworks that are accessible by UE through the radio unit 102. As such,the radio intelligence controller 104 can independently monitor loadingof each private network and the public network concurrently orsimultaneously, in real-time, by communicating with the radio unit 102.In the manner, the radio intelligence controller 104 monitors thephysical resource blocks that are currently utilized by the radio unit102 for the private network(s) and the public network at that particulargeographic location associated with the antenna of the radio unit 102.The threshold can be a minimum or minimum numeric value that isindicative of underutilization of a portion of a band assigned to aparticular network in the plurality of networks being monitored, in oneexample. In another example, the threshold can be a maximum or maximumnumeric value that is indicative of overutilization of a portion of aband assigned to the particular network in the plurality of networksbeing monitored. The threshold could be a percentage (e.g., 75%) of apredefined loading level and/or a maximum loading level. In yet anotherexample, threshold(s) may include a minimum of a maximum along with aflanking buffer range of values around the minimum of a maximum value.

When the radio intelligence controller 104 determines that the nearreal-time loading of one or more of a plurality of networks at leastmeets a threshold, the radio intelligence controller 104 generates andcommunicates a reallocation request to the distribution unit 106. Atthis time, one or more of the plurality of virtual physical resourceblocks in the virtualization layer are provisionally and concurrentlyallocated (i.e., not in current use) to both the public network and oneor more private networks. In other words, the one or more of theplurality of virtual physical resource blocks in the virtualizationlayer are in a pool that is shared for potential use by the private andpublic networks.

In response to the reallocation request, the distribution unit 106reallocates one or more of the plurality of virtual physical resourceblocks in the virtualization layer (at the radio unit 102) from onenetwork in the plurality of networks to another network in the pluralityof networks. Thus, the distribution unit 106 can manage and control theplurality of virtual physical resource blocks of the radio unit 102. Forexample, a portion of the plurality of virtual physical resource blocksin the virtualization layer can be dynamically reallocated from a firstnetwork in the plurality of networks to a second network in theplurality of networks, or vice versa, at the direction of thedistribution unit 106. As such, the virtual physical resource blocks inthe virtualization layer can be dynamically swapped from private networkto a public network (e.g., from provisional allocation to a MVNA to theMNO), or vice versa (e.g., from provisional allocation to a MNO to theMVNA). When reallocating a virtualized resource block, the virtualizedresource block is reconfigured via software to reflect the change forusage in one network slice (e.g., a first network) to another networkslice (e.g., a second private network) in the full spectrum of the MNO'snetwork.

In one example, the distribution unit 106 identifies a set of specificvirtual physical resource blocks to be reallocated, the set of specificvirtual physical resource blocks corresponding to a portion of a bandassigned to a private network, and wherein the set is reallocated fromusage in one portion of the band assigned to a private network toanother portion of the band in a public network. Additionally oralternatively, the distribution unit 106 identifies a set of specificvirtual physical resource blocks to reallocate, the set of specificvirtual physical resource blocks corresponding to a portion of a bandassigned to a public network, and wherein the set is reallocated fromusage in one portion of the band assigned to a public network to anotherportion of the band in a private network, for example.

The system 100 then maps the one or more of the plurality of virtualphysical resource blocks being reallocated (e.g., as reconfigured viasoftware in the virtualization layer of the radio unit 102) by thedistribution unit 106 to one or more of the plurality of physicalresource blocks associated with the physical layer. In response to themapping, the one or more of the virtual physical resource blocks arereallocated to only one network. As such, prior to mapping, a virtualphysical resource block can be provisionally allocated across multiplenetworks, concurrently. Only when the virtual physical resource block isready to be utilized, is the virtual physical resource block mapped to aphysical resource block, thereby becoming allocated to just one networkat the moment or timing of actual utilization (i.e., on a 1:1 basis).For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the virtual physical resource blocks206A, 206B, and 206C in the virtualization layer 202 are provisionallyallocated or available as a pool to multiple of the physical resourceblocks 208A, 208B, 208C, and 208 n, prior to the reallocation andmapping (i.e., each single virtual resource block is available to manyphysical resource blocks). As shown in FIG. 3 , the virtual physicalresource blocks 206A, 206B, and 206C in the virtualization layer 202 arethen mapped to the physical resource blocks 208A, 208B, and 208C forutilization, such that one virtual resource block is mapped to just onephysical resource block. Then, the one or more of the plurality ofphysical resource blocks associated with the physical layer in thesecond network are utilized, for example via the radio unit 102, basedon the mapping of the one or more of the plurality of virtual physicalresource blocks reallocated in the virtualization layer.

Having described the system 100 and components thereof, it will beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that system 100 is butone example of a suitable system and is not intended to limit the scopeof use or functionality of the present invention. Similarly, system 100should not be interpreted as imputing any dependency and/or anyrequirements with regard to each component and combination(s) ofcomponents illustrated in FIG. 1 . It will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that the location of components illustrated inFIG. 1 is an example, as other methods, hardware, software, components,and devices for establishing communication links between the componentsshown in FIG. 1 , may be utilized in implementations of the presentinvention. It will be understood to those of ordinary skill in the artthat the components may be connected in various manners, hardwired orwireless, and may use intermediary components that have been omitted ornot included in FIG. 1 for simplicity's sake. As such, the absence ofcomponents from FIG. 1 should be not be interpreted as limiting thepresent invention to exclude additional components and combination(s) ofcomponents. Moreover, though components are represented in FIG. 1 assingular components, it will be appreciated that some embodiments mayinclude a plurality of devices and/or components such that FIG. 1 shouldnot be considered as limiting the number of a device or component.

Turning to FIG. 4 , a method 400 is provided for establishing aprovenance of a media file. In some embodiments, the method 400 can be acomputer-implemented method. In one embodiment, one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage media having computer-readableinstructions or computer-readable program code portions embodiedthereon, for execution via one or more processors, can be used toimplement and/or perform the method 400. For example, computer-readableinstructions or computer-readable program code portions can specify theperformance of the method 400, can specify a sequence of steps of themethod 400, and/or can identify particular component(s) of softwareand/or hardware for performing one or more of the steps of the method400, in embodiments. As discussed below, the method 400 can be performedusing software, hardware, component(s), and/or device(s) depicted in theexample of FIG. 1 .

At block 402, a virtualization layer is generated on top of the physicallayer associated with a plurality of physical resource blocks, thevirtualization layer hosting a plurality of virtual physical resourceblocks, and the virtualization layer emulating hardware of the physicallayer that is associated with the physical resource blocks. In aspects,all, one or more, a portion of, or a subset of the virtual physicalresource blocks are provisionally available for reallocation in two ormore of the plurality of the networks, concurrently. As such, thesevirtual physical resource blocks are simultaneously allocated,provisionally (i.e., prior to actual utilizing, mapping, andscheduling), to multiple networks as part of a pool shared among themultiple networks.

At block 404, a radio intelligence controller monitors loading of aplurality of networks, in real-time, that are utilizing the plurality ofphysical resource blocks. In monitoring, the radio intelligencecontroller determines those physical resource blocks that are presentlybeing utilized. In this regard, the radio intelligence controller is notmonitoring, for example, the virtual physical resource blocks that arenot yet mapped, and which are merely provisionally allocated betweennetworks as an available pool. The radio intelligence controllermonitors the actual usage of the physical resource blocks to determineload on each of the networks services by a radio unit, for example,wherein the plurality of networks include a private network or a publicnetwork. As previously discussed, the one or more private networks andthe public network may have the same threshold or differentcorresponding threshold(s). The threshold may be a minimum indicative ofunderutilization of a portion of a band assigned to a particular networkin the plurality of networks being monitored, or the threshold may be amaximum indicative of overutilization of a portion of a band assigned tothe particular network in the plurality of networks being monitored, invarious aspects.

At block 406, when the radio intelligence controller determines that thenear real-time loading of one or more of a plurality of networks atleast meets a threshold, the radio intelligence controller communicatesa reallocation request to the distribution unit. At block 408, inresponse to the reallocation request, the distribution unit reallocatesone or more of the plurality of virtual physical resource blocks in thevirtualization layer from one network in the plurality of networks toanother network in the plurality of networks. For example, one or moreof the plurality of virtual physical resource blocks that isprovisionally allocated or available in the sharing pool for multiplenetwork can now be reallocated to another particular network. In someaspects, the radio intelligence controller identifies a set of specificvirtual physical resource blocks to reallocate, the set of specificvirtual physical resource blocks corresponding to a portion of a bandassigned to a private network, wherein the set is reallocated from usagein one portion of the band assigned to a private network to anotherportion of the band in a public network. Additionally or alternatively,the radio intelligence controller identifies a set of specific virtualphysical resource blocks to reallocate, the set of specific virtualphysical resource blocks corresponding to a portion of a band assignedto a public network, wherein the set is reallocated from usage in oneportion of the band assigned to a public network to another portion ofthe band in a private network. In this manner, the distribution unitdirects and controls the reallocation of the virtual physical resourceblocks that are hosted in the virtualization layer of the correspondingradio unit.

At block 410, the one or more of the plurality of virtual physicalresource blocks being reallocated by the distribution unit are mapped toone or more of the plurality of physical resource blocks associated withthe physical layer. In response to the mapping, the one or more of thevirtual physical resource blocks are reallocated to only one network ofthe plurality of networks. As such, these reallocated virtual physicalresource blocks transition from being provisionally allocated andavailable in the pool to multiple networks, to becoming mapped andallocated for actual usage by one network. In one example, each of theone or more of the virtual physical resource blocks that wasprovisionally available in the sharing pool is mapped, using aone-to-one ratio, to the one or more of the plurality of physicalresource blocks, the one or more of the plurality of physical resourceblocks being associated with the one network. At block 412, the one ormore of the plurality of physical resource blocks associated with thephysical layer are utilized in the second network, based on the mappingof the one or more of the plurality of virtual physical resource blocksthat is reallocated in the virtualization layer.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , a diagram is depicted of an example computingdevice suitable for use in implementations of the present disclosure.Computing device 500 is but one example of a suitable computingenvironment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should computingdevice 500 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirementrelating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

The implementations of the present disclosure may be described in thegeneral context of computer code or machine-useable instructions,including computer-executable instructions such as program components,being executed by a computer or other machine, such as a personal dataassistant or other handheld device. Generally, program components,including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, andthe like, refer to code that performs particular tasks or implementsparticular abstract data types. Implementations of the presentdisclosure may be practiced in a variety of system configurations,including handheld devices, consumer electronics, general-purposecomputers, specialty computing devices, etc. Implementations of thepresent disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices thatare linked through a communications network.

With continued reference to FIG. 5 , computing device 500 includes bus502 that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: memory504, one or more processors 506, one or more presentation components508, input/output (I/O) ports 510, I/O components 512, and power supply514. Bus 502 represents what may be one or more busses (such as anaddress bus, data bus, or combination thereof). Although the devices ofFIG. 5 are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, in reality,delineating various components is not so clear, and metaphorically, thelines would more accurately be grey and fuzzy. For example, one mayconsider a presentation component such as a display device to be one ofI/O components 512. Also, processors, such as one or more processors506, have memory. Distinction is not made between such categories as“workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “handheld device,” etc., as all arecontemplated within the scope of FIG. 8 and refer to “computer” or“computing device.”

Computing device 500 typically includes a variety of computer-readablemedia. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by computing device 500 and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computerstorage media and communication media. Computer storage media includesboth volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data.

Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices. Computer storage media doesnot comprise a propagated data signal.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any ofthe above should also be included within the scope of computer-readablemedia.

Memory 504 includes computer-storage media in the form of volatileand/or nonvolatile memory. Memory 504 may be removable, non-removable,or a combination thereof. Examples of memory includes solid-statememory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. Computing device 500includes one or more processors 506 that read data from various entitiessuch as bus 502, memory 504 or I/O components 512. One or morepresentation components 508 presents data indications to a person orother device. Examples of one or more presentation components 508include a display device, speaker, printing component, vibratingcomponent, etc. I/O ports 510 allow computing device 500 to be logicallycoupled to other devices including I/O components 512, some of which maybe built in computing device 500. Illustrative I/O components 512include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner,printer, wireless device, etc.

Radio 516 represents a radio that facilitates communication with awireless telecommunications network. Illustrative wirelesstelecommunications technologies include CDMA, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, and thelike. Radio 516 might additionally or alternatively facilitate othertypes of wireless communications including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, or otherVoIP communications. As can be appreciated, in various embodiments,radio 516 can be configured to support multiple technologies and/ormultiple radios can be utilized to support multiple technologies. Awireless telecommunications network might include an array of devices,which are not shown so as to not obscure more relevant aspects of theinvention. Components such as a base station, a communications tower, oreven access points (as well as other components) can provide wirelessconnectivity in some embodiments.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of our technology have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative means of implementing theaforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of theclaims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility andmay be employed without reference to other features and subcombinationsand are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computerized method comprising: monitoringloading of a plurality of networks utilizing a plurality of physicalresource blocks to determine when loading of one or more of theplurality of networks at least meets a threshold; reallocating one ormore of a plurality of virtual physical resource blocks in avirtualization layer from one network to another network in theplurality of networks when the loading of the one or more of theplurality of networks at least meets the threshold; and utilizing theone or more of the plurality of physical resource blocks based on amapping of the one or more of the plurality of virtual physical resourceblocks that is reallocated.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoringloading of the plurality of networks utilizing the plurality of physicalresource blocks includes monitoring loading of each of a private networkand a public network in the plurality of networks.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising identifying a set of specific virtualphysical resource blocks corresponding to a portion of a band assignedto a private network to reallocate, wherein the set is reallocated fromusage in one portion of the band assigned to the private network toanother portion of the band in a public network.
 4. The method of claim1, further comprising identifying a set of specific virtual physicalresource blocks corresponding to a portion of a band assigned to apublic network to be reallocated, wherein the set is reallocated fromusage in one portion of the band assigned to the public network toanother portion of the band in a private network.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the threshold is a minimum indicative of underutilization ofa portion of a band assigned to a particular network in the plurality ofnetworks being monitored; or wherein the threshold is a maximumindicative of overutilization of a portion of a band assigned to theparticular network in the plurality of networks being monitored.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the virtualization layer hosts the pluralityof virtual physical resource blocks, wherein the one or more of theplurality of virtual physical resource blocks is provisionally availablefor reallocation in two or more of the plurality of networks.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein each of the one or more of the plurality ofvirtual physical resource blocks provisionally available is mapped,using a one-to-one ratio, to the one or more of the plurality ofphysical resource blocks.
 8. One or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media storing instructions that when executed via oneor more processors performs a computerized method, the media comprising:monitoring loading of a plurality of networks utilizing a plurality ofphysical resource blocks to determine when loading of one or more of theplurality of networks at least meets a threshold; reallocating one ormore of a plurality of virtual physical resource blocks in avirtualization layer from one network to another network in theplurality of networks when the loading of the one or more of theplurality of networks at least meets the threshold; and utilizing theone or more of the plurality of physical resource blocks based on amapping of the one or more of the plurality of virtual physical resourceblocks that is reallocated.
 9. The media of claim 8, wherein monitoringloading of the plurality of networks utilizing the plurality of physicalresource blocks includes monitoring loading of each of a private networkand a public network in the plurality of networks.
 10. The media ofclaim 8, further comprising identifying a set of specific virtualphysical resource blocks corresponding to a portion of a band assignedto a private network to reallocate, wherein the set is reallocated fromusage in one portion of the band assigned to the private network toanother portion of the band in a public network.
 11. The media of claim8, further comprising identifying a set of specific virtual physicalresource blocks corresponding to a portion of a band assigned to apublic network to be reallocated, wherein the set is reallocated fromusage in one portion of the band assigned to the public network toanother portion of the band in a private network.
 12. The media of claim8, wherein the threshold is a minimum indicative of underutilization ofa portion of a band assigned to a particular network in the plurality ofnetworks being monitored; or wherein the threshold is a maximumindicative of overutilization of a portion of a band assigned to theparticular network in the plurality of networks being monitored.
 13. Themedia of claim 8, wherein the virtualization layer hosts the pluralityof virtual physical resource blocks, wherein the one or more of thevirtual physical resource blocks is provisionally available forreallocation in two or more of the plurality of networks.
 14. The mediaof claim 13, wherein each of the one or more of the virtual physicalresource blocks provisionally available is mapped, using a one-to-oneratio, to the one or more of the plurality of physical resource blocks.15. A system comprising: a radio intelligence controller; and one ormore processors configured to: monitor loading of a plurality ofnetworks utilizing a plurality of physical resource blocks to determinewhen loading of one or more of the plurality of networks at least meetsa threshold; reallocate one or more of a plurality of virtual physicalresource blocks in a virtualization layer from one network to anothernetwork in the plurality of networks when the loading of the one or moreof the plurality of networks at least meets the threshold; and utilizethe one or more of the plurality of physical resource blocks based on amapping of the one or more of the plurality of virtual physical resourceblocks that is reallocated.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the oneor more processors are configured to further monitor loading of each ofa private network and a public network in the plurality of networks. 17.The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors areconfigured to identify a set of specific virtual physical resourceblocks corresponding to a portion of a band assigned to a privatenetwork to be reallocated, wherein the set is reallocated from usage inone portion of the band assigned to the private network to anotherportion of the band in a public network.
 18. The system of claim 15,wherein the one or more processors are configured to identify a set ofspecific virtual physical resource blocks corresponding to a portion ofa band assigned to a public network to be reallocated, wherein the setis reallocated from usage in one portion of the band assigned to thepublic network to another portion of the band in a private network. 19.The system of claim 15, wherein the threshold is a minimum indicative ofunderutilization of a portion of a band assigned to a particular networkin the plurality of networks being monitored; or wherein the thresholdis a maximum indicative of overutilization of a portion of a bandassigned to the particular network in the plurality of networks beingmonitored.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the virtualization layerhosts the plurality of virtual physical resource blocks, wherein the oneor more of the plurality of virtual physical resource blocks isprovisionally available for reallocation in two or more of the pluralityof networks.